The Timid Return of Lancia in France

Lancia is not to be blamed for this cautious approach. After narrowly avoiding extinction, a grand return would have made a bad impression.

Celebrating its connection with its Transalpine origins, Lancia officially presented the new Lancia Ypsilon on July 4 at the Italian Embassy in France. An Italian soul but a French heart since the Ypsilon is based on a technical platform from the Peugeot 208. Once again, nothing particularly exceptional since it is common to find models from different brands sharing the same technical base within Stellantis. It would be crazy not to do so, and the entire strategy of the group relies on these STLA platforms. Lancia will start “slowly” with a first showroom, ‘Casa Lancia – Paris La Défense,’ and then gradually expand its network to 25 showrooms by the end of 2025. Caution as proof that the lessons from the past have indeed been learned.

To differentiate itself from the little lioness, the Ypsilon adopts an interesting and somewhat disruptive look. With a nod to the Stratos and quite bold aesthetic choices for the front end, it’s rather successful. At least it’s impossible to guess at first glance any familial link between the two models. Take a Renault Clio and a Mitsubishi Colt, or a Toyota Yaris and a Mazda2 and you’ll understand that some brands don’t bother much! A very good point for Lancia.

The Good Virtues of Sport

But it is the sporty version of the little Italian that could captivate the French market. If you are not yet familiar with the HF elephant badge, you are in for a treat. Powered by a 100% electric motor with 240hp, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, the Lancia Ypsilon HF adopts a compact stance, wider tracks, and more muscular shapes. A beautiful tribute to the competition cars that have made the history of the brand.

The Lancia Ypsilon HF will make its market debut in June 2025. Even before they have been presented, Lancia claims that future Gamma and Delta models will also be developed in HF versions. The future of Lancia looks sporty, promising to make a bit more noise soon.

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